Cybersecurity Policy Report, Defense Bill That Would Require Better Telecom Security at DoD Clears Senate, (Dec 17, 2025)
The fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which would, among other things, mandate better telecom cybersecurity at the Department of Defense, cleared the Senate today by a vote of 77-20.
The House passed the bill last week (CPR, Dec. 11), and it will now be sent to the president for his signature.
The legislation (S 1071) would require the Department of Defense to add new cybersecurity requirements to its contracts for telecom services when those services are used for “sensitive national security functions.”
Other provisions of the compromise NDAA would seek to “harmonize” cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors and require DoD to work with other federal agencies to find ways to deter foreign adversaries from attacking U.S. “defense critical infrastructure” in cyberspace.
News: FederalLegislation DataSecurity